Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Announces All Special Shapes Attending the 52nd Event

Including 16 New Special Shapes with the first-ever representation from North Macedonia and cultural icons from around the world.

Albuquerque, NM - The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil will host the largest gathering of special shape balloons as a part of the world’s premier balloon event, October 5-13, 2024. This year’s event will include 106 special shape balloons; 16 of those shapes will make their first Balloon Fiesta appearance.

Notable new special shape balloons will share the air with the event’s first-ever pilot from North Macedonia, Borche Paunovki who will be flying the pink Gnome balloon. Météo, piloted by Alain Bard from Canada, is a “weather balloon,” featuring meteorological features. Churro, piloted by Heather Watkins is a dog-shaped balloon with Churro the dog as co-pilot. As a nod to New Mexico tradition, the new Zozobra special shape balloon is set to fly in the October events as well.

With sixteen countries represented in this year's event, one special shape in particular is bringing their culture to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Mazu, representing Taiwan (Republic of China) is shaped as the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and traditions. Mazu will be making her appearance for the first time culturally representing her country.

Special shape hot air balloons and the pilot’s home country making their inaugural appearance at Balloon Fiesta include:

In addition to these new balloons, many Balloon Fiesta Special Shape fan favorites will also be making their return. These include Airabelle the Creamland Cow, Darth Vader, Master Yoda Balloon, Montie the Black Sheep, Allycorn, and many more.

Special shape hot air balloons and the pilot’s home country returning to Balloon Fiesta include:

Finally, don’t forget about the remote-control (RC) balloons. Balloon Fiesta’s third annual remote-control balloon rally will feature at least 57 tethered balloons, which are scale model balloons, about 20 feet tall. These “globitos” are miniature marvels, with 14 special shapes of their own, like Dolly the Donkey, Steggy the Dino-Soar and Pengiunette.

Remote Control Special Shape “Globitos” balloons and the controller’s home country at Balloon Fiesta include:

“My favorite part about Balloon Fiesta is seeing the enjoyment and the excitement from somebody who's experiencing Balloon Fiesta for the first time and seeing the Special Shapes, where else can you walk amongst giant toys,” says Jennifer Garcia, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Event Director.

While many of the special shapes will be flying throughout the event, Balloon Fiesta has several events featuring special shape balloons. The Special Shape Rodeo™ (morning) and Glowdeo™ (evening) events will take place on Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11. For more information about Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, visit https://balloonfiesta.com/.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil is a festival of hot air balloons that takes place in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on X/Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.

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Media Notes:

New Special Shapes Pilot Card Video: https://vimeo.com/garritypr/aibfnewspecialshapes?share=copy

Full Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta News Release: https://nmnewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AIBF-2024-Special-Shapes-NR-FINAL.pdf